Egg-traordinary new Melksham home for duck

A WILD mallard duck has set up home at an MOT centre in Melksham, having 11 chicks in the process.

The mallard was first noticed in a flower bed next to the customer entrance at Riverside MOT Centre shortly after Easter and has caused excitement for staff and customers alike ever since. There is no sign that she wants to move from her new home and customers are now having to use a side entrance to get to the reception so the duck is not disturbed.

A camera fondly called ‘duck cam’ by staff has been permanently fixed so it faces on the nesting mallard and plays on a wide screen television in the reception so the popular duck can be watched over.

It is believed to have nested at the MOT centre as a result of disruption at its nearby River Avon home. Recent work by the river authority and electricity companies working on nearby overhead cables has meant the duck has sought refuge in the most unusual of places.

Receptionist Chrissy Wood said, “It’s fantastic really, we have seen her around for three or four years but usually down by the river. This year it seems she has decided this is her home. It’s amazing the interest we get from customers and we think it’s such a great story. She has become famous and even last Friday we had to stop work as she waddled through the main work area.

“I have access to ‘duck cam’ from home so I often sit there and watch her to make sure she is ok. I had a shock when I saw on the camera that a cat had gone up to her, but thankfully she was ok.

“We have even taken to feeding her and we scattered some meal worms which she really enjoyed!

“Last week when I saw her fly off I took the chance to go and see her nest and counted 11 eggs which have now hatched.

“We are thinking about putting a ‘chick ramp’ up to the flower bed so they can get back to their nest.”